Method and apparatus for increasing the capacity and stability of a single-pole tower

ABSTRACT

A support structure for use with an existing single pole tower and a method for supporting additional loading of the existing pole tower are disclosed. The single pole tower has a pole anchored to an existing foundation and supports a first load. The support structure has a number of sleeves surrounding the pole with a bottom sleeve anchored to a new foundation surrounding the existing foundation. Load transfer plates are disposed between the existing tower and sleeves and load transfer bolts extending through the sleeves are torqued against the load transfer plates for stabilizing the loaded tower. One or more additional loads may be attached to one of the sleeves.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is related to application Ser. No. 09/557,266filed on Apr. 24, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference. This application is a continuation in part of applicationSer. No. ______ filed Oct. 26, 2001, entitled Method and Apparatus forIncreasing the Capacity and Stability of a Single-Pole Tower, which is acontinuation of the aforementioned application Ser. No. 09/557,266.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a method and anapparatus for increasing the capacity and stability of a single-poletower. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and anapparatus that employs a sleeve and an array of load transfer plates toimprove load distribution and add structural stability to a single-poletower and thereby increase its capacity to support additional equipmentand withstand environmental loads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The increase in wireless telecommunications traffic has resulteda concomitant increase in the need for pole-mounted transmissionequipment of all kinds. Not only do wireless service providers need toinstall equipment covering new geographic areas, competing serviceproviders and others also need to install additional equipment coveringthe same or similar geographic areas. To date, the solution to bothproblems normally includes purchasing additional land or easements,applying for the necessary government permits and zoning clearances, andconstructing a new tower for the new transmission equipment.

[0004] Purchasing land or easements, however, is becoming increasinglyexpensive particularly in urban areas where the need for wirelesstelecommunications is greatest. Zoning regulations often limit theconstruction of new towers in the vicinity of existing towers or mayprohibit the construction of new towers in the most suitable locations.The expense and delay associated with the zoning process often may becost-prohibitive or so time-consuming that construction of the new toweris not feasible. Even when zoning regulations can be satisfied andpermits can be obtained, the service provider must then bear the burdenand expense associated with the construction and the maintenance of thetower.

[0005] The tower itself must be designed to support the weight of thetelecommunications transmission equipment as well as the forces exertedon the pole by environmental factors such as wind and ice. The equipmentand the environmental factors produce forces known as bending momentsthat, in effect, may cause a single-pole tower to overturn if notdesigned for adequate stability. Traditionally, single-pole towers havebeen designed to withstand the forces expected form the equipmentoriginally installed on the pole. Very few single-pole towers, however,are designed with sufficient stability to allow for the addition of newequipment.

[0006] Thus, there is a need for a method and an apparatus forincreasing the capacity and stability of a single-pole tower that willsupport the weight of additional equipment and support the additionalenvironmental forces exerted on the pole. The prior art shows variousbrackets used for restoring the strength of a weakened or damagedsection of a wooden pole. An example of a known pole restoration systemis shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,367 to McGinnis entitled, “Apparatus andMethod for Reinforcing a Wooden Pole.” This reference describes anapparatus that employs a series of braces linked together around thecircumference of a tapered pole. The braces are then forced downward onthe pole to wedge the assembly tightly against the pole to providesupport. This system does not include an anchorage to the ground or baseof the pole.

[0007] A number of other known restoration systems employ a first partattached to the damaged section of the pole and a second part that isdriven into the ground to provide support. An example of such a systemis shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,130 to Burtelson entitled, “Apparatusfor Reinforcing Utility Poles and the Like.” This apparatus uses aseries of brackets and straps attached to ground spikes. Another exampleof a known pole restoration system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,396to Knight entitled, “Utility Pole Support.” This reference describes anapparatus with a series of brackets attached to a wooden utility pole. Aseries of tapered spikes are anchored on the brackets and then driveninto the ground to provide support. Additional examples of such a systemare shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,345,732 and 5,815,994, both issued toKnight & Murray, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Giving Strength to aPole” and “Strengthening of Poles,” respectively. These referencesdescribe an apparatus with a nail or bridging beam driven through thecenter of the wooden pole. The nail is attached by linkages to a seriesor circumferential spikes that are then driven into the ground toprovide support.

[0008] In each of these systems, the brackets are fixable attached to adamaged wooden utility pole to provide a firm anchor for the groundspikes. The spikes are driven into the ground immediately adjacent thepole to wedge the spike tightly against the side of the pole. Thefunctionality of each of these systems depends, therefore, on the rigidattachment between the pole brackets and the spikes as well as thecompression fit of the spikes between the ground and the pole. Further,these ground based systems only function when the damaged pole sectionis sufficiently near the ground for the bracket assembly to be attachedto the ground spikes. The capacity of these known systems to resistbending moments is dependent upon the height of the damaged sectionrelative to the ground as well as the characteristics of the soil andother natural variables. Moreover, each of these systems describes anapparatus for the purpose of restoring a damaged pole to its originalcapacity, not for the purpose of bolstering an existing pole to increaseits capacity.

[0009] A support structure for supporting a load is shown in theaforementioned Ser. No. 09/557,266. The support structure includes asingle pole tower and a sleeve surrounding the pole. The pole and thesleeve are anchored to an existing foundation, with the sleevesupporting a load. An additional cross-beam may be anchored to a newfoundation that surrounds the existing foundation and be anchored atdiametrically opposite sides for additional support. A number of sleevesmay be used with a first sleeve anchored to the foundation, a secondsleeve supporting the load, and one or more joinder sleeves positionedbetween the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The pole also maysupport a second load. The total height of the number of sleeves mayextend beyond the height of the existing single pole tower. A number ofload transfer pins are positioned along at least one of the sleeves. Thepins extend from the inside of the sleeve to the pole and apply pressureagainst the outer surface of the tower.

[0010] This structure may suffer from several disadvantages. Due to thepoint contact of the pins against the outer surface of the tower, suchtowers have limited capacity for increased loads. Each load transfer pinconcentrates the force and may readily damage the pole when tightened.Further, as more load is added to the pole, the original foundation aswell as the cross-beams anchored to the new foundation may be inadequatefor increased bending moments. Further, the use of pipe sections andwelded sleeve tabs are labor intensive and require close check thatproper welds are made to preclude failure upon application of bendingmoments.

[0011] Thus, there remains a need for a method and apparatus forincreasing the capacity and stability of a single-pole tower that willsupport the weight of additional equipment and support the additionalenvironmental forces exerted on the pole, while providing sufficientstability to resist the forces known as bending moments exerted by thenew equipment and the environmental forces. Such a method and anapparatus should accomplish these goals in a reliable, durable,low-maintenance, and cost-effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides an improved method and anapparatus for increasing the capacity and stability of a single-poletower.

[0013] In accordance with the present invention, there is a supportstructure for retrofitting an existing single pole tower which has apole anchored to an existing foundation and supports a first load. Thesupport structure has a number of sleeves surrounding the pole that mayextend beyond the height of the existing single pole tower. A secondload is attached to an upper sleeve. Additional loads may be attached toone or more of the sleeves. The loads may include one or moretelecommunications arrays.

[0014] In accordance with another feature of the present invention, afirst sleeve is anchored to a new foundation surrounding the existingfoundation and load transfer plates are interposed between at least oneof the sleeves and the outer surface of the existing single pole tower.

[0015] In accordance with the aforementioned application Ser. No.09/557,266 and the invention described therein, the sleeves are made outof metal such as a structural pipe with a minimum yield stress of about42 ksi. The sleeves may have a first half and a second half. Each halfmay have a first side with a first sleeve tab and a second side with asecond sleeve tab. The sleeve tabs may have a number of aperturespositioned therein. There may be a number of sleeves, such as a firstsleeve, a second sleeve, and a third sleeve. The sleeves also mayinclude a first end with a first top flange plate and a second end witha second bottom flange plate. The second bottom flange plate of thefirst sleeve is anchored to the existing foundation. The flange platesalso may have a number of apertures positioned therein. As described inapplication Ser. No. 09/557,266, the sleeves include a number of loadtransfer pins. The load transfer pins may have a bolt and one or morenuts. The pins extend from the sleeves to the pole so as to stabilizethe loads. The pins may be radially spaced around a vertical center axisof the sleeves. The sleeves may include a plurality of access portspositioned therein.

[0016] In accordance with the present invention, sleeves are made ofstructural plates with a minimum yield stress of about 65 ksi formed ina break press. There may be a number of sleeves, such as a first sleeve,a second sleeve, and a third sleeve. The sleeves may have multiplepolygonal sections to enclose the pole. Each section has verticalflanges formed in the press. The sleeves also may include a first endwith a first top flange plate and a second end with a second bottomflange plate. Preferably, the first sleeve, however, has a base plate atthe second lower end for anchoring of the tower to the foundation.Preferably, a number of load transfer plates are associated with thesleeves. The load transfer plates may have a number of retention rods. Anumber of bolts are threaded through associated nuts that are welded tothe sleeves. The bolts extend from the sleeves and press against theplates to stabilize the existing pole. The load transfer plates may beradially spaced around a vertical center axis of the sleeves.

[0017] In accordance with the present invention, the base plate of thefirst sleeve is anchored to a new foundation surrounding the existingfoundation by means of anchor bolts. The first flange plate of the firstsleeve may include a dimension to accommodate the second flange plate ofthe second sleeve while the first flange plate of the second sleeve mayinclude a dimension to accommodate the second flange plate of the thirdsleeve. The first end of the third or uppermost sleeve, as the case maybe, may include a cover plate.

[0018] One embodiment of the present invention provides a supportstructure that surrounds an existing single pole tower: The existingsingle pole tower is anchored to an existing foundation and supports afirst load. The support structure includes sleeves that surround theexisting single pole tower. A first sleeve with a base plate attaches toa new foundation that surrounds an existing foundation. A second sleeveis attached to the first sleeve and may support a second load. Thesecond sleeve may be attached to the first sleeve via one or morejoinder sleeves. One or more sleeves include associated load transferplates. The existing single pole tower may be larger in height than thesurrounding sleeves, and may support additional loads.

[0019] A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a methodthat allows for additional loading to be placed on a single pole tower.The single pole tower includes a pole anchored to an existingfoundation. The method includes the steps of surrounding the existingfoundation with a new foundation, positioning one or more sleeves aroundthe pole, anchoring one of the sleeves to the new foundation, andsupporting the additional load on the sleeves. A first one of the numberof sleeves may be anchored to the new foundation, a second one of thesleeves may be supporting an additional load, and one or more joindersleeves may attach the first and the second sleeves. The method mayfurther include the step of attaching a number of load transfer platesto the sleeves so as to distribute and stabilize the additional load.

[0020] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved method and apparatus for retrofitting an existing single poletower to increase the capacity and stability of a single-pole tower.

[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide animproved method and apparatus for increasing the capacity and stabilityof a single-pole tower wherein the apparatus will support the weight ofadditional equipment and the additional environmental forces exerted onthe pole.

[0022] It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved method and apparatus for increasing the capacity and stabilityof a single-pole tower wherein the apparatus will support the weight ofadditional equipment and the additional environmental forces exerted onthe pole while also providing sufficient stability to resist the forcesknown as bending moments caused by the new equipment and theenvironmental forces.

[0023] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent upon reading the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction withthe drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support structure of thepresent invention surrounding an existing tower.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a plan and elevation view of a bottom sleeve section ofthe present invention showing the access ports, the vertical flanges, aflange plate, and a base plate.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a plan and elevation view of a joinder sleeve section ofthe present invention showing the vertical flanges and the flangeplates.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a plan and elevation view of a top sleeve section of thepresent invention showing the vertical flanges, a flange plate, and thepositioning of the load transfer plates.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeves and the existingpole.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a side plan and template view of the load transferplates.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the load transfer plates.

[0031]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the sleeve at the base showing thebase plate, the anchoring means, and the new and existing foundations.

[0032]FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the base plate, gussets, anchorbolts, and foundation.

DETAILED DISCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT

[0033] Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which likenumerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1shows a single pole tower 10 adapted to be retrofitted with the presentinvention. As is well known in the art, the single pole tower 10generally includes a pole 20 of varying height. The pole 20 is generallya hollow structure made from various types of steel, compositematerials, or other types of sufficiently rigid materials and may be twohundred (200) ft. in height. The pole 20 may be a tapered structure suchthat it decreases in width as its height increases. The pole 20 may bemounted on an existing foundation 30 by a base plate 40 and a pluralityof anchor bolts 50. The existing foundation 30 is generally a reinforcedconcrete structure that may be anchored by conventional means. The baseplate 40 and the anchor bolts 50 are generally made from various typesof steel or other types of sufficiently rigid materials. One or moreloads 60 may be fixedly attached to the pole 20. In the presentembodiment, the load 60 may include one or more types of conventionaltelecommunication arrays comprising arms extending outward andsupporting telecommunication devices fixedly attached by bolts or otherconventional types of attachment means. Such telecommunication arraysare well known in the art.

[0034] FIGS. 1-9 show the support structure 100 of the presentinvention. The support structure 100 includes one or more sleeves 110intended to surround sections of the pole 20 FIG. 1 depicts a bottomsleeve 250, a joinder sleeve 360, and a top sleeve 350. The sections maybe made from substantially rigid material such as hot-dipped galvanizedASTM A572 structural plate having a minimum yield stress of about 65ksi. The sleeves of the support structure may exceed fifty (50) feet inlength. It will be appreciated that other materials are equally suitablefor the method and apparatus disclosed herein depending upon the desiredcharacteristics of the support structure 100 as a whole.

[0035] As is shown in FIGS. 2-4, the sleeves 110 each have two polygonalsections 120, 130, however there may be more than two polygonal sectionsin alternative embodiments. In accordance with the present invention,the bottom sleeve 250 and joinder sleeve 360, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and3 respectfully, have twelve (12) polygonal sides. The number ofpolygonal sides of sleeves 250, 360 may be altered in accordance withthe shape of the pole 20 and the number of sections that comprise eachsleeve 110. The sections 120, 130 have a first edge 150, a second edge160, a top portion 170, and a bottom portion 180. As seen in FIGS. 2-4,each section 120, 130 has a vertical flange 190 extending substantiallyparallel to the length of the section along the first edge 150 of thesections 120, 130 and a second vertical flange 200 extendingsubstantially parallel to the length of the section 120, 130 along thesecond edge 160 of the section 120, 130. The vertical flanges 190, 200are unitary elements with the sections 120, 130 and formed in a breakpress from the same galvanized ASTM 572 structural plate as sections120, 130.

[0036] The vertical flanges 190, 200 may have a plurality of aperture orbolt holes 210 therein that align so as to connect the respectivesections 120, 130 by bolts 215 or other conventional types of fasteningmeans. The bolts 215 preferably should comply with ASTM A-325 standardsand are typically 1½ inches. When joined along the vertical flanges 190,200, the sections 120, 130 of the sleeves 110 form a largely hollowstructure with a diameter slightly greater that the greatest diameter ofthat section of the pole 20 the particular sleeve 110 is intended tosurround.

[0037] The sections 120, 130 may have a first flange plate 220encircling the top portion 170 of both sections 120, 130 and a secondflange plate 230 encircling the bottom portion 180 of both sections 120,130. The flange plates 220, 230 are welded. to the sections 120, 130 andmay also be made from hot-dipped galvanized ASTM 572 structural plate orsimilar materials. All welds of,the present invention should preferablycomply with AWS A5.1 or A5.5, E80xx standards. The width of the flangeplates 220, 230 may vary so as to accommodate the additional sleeves 110of varying size. The flange plates 220, 230 may have a plurality ofapertures or bolt holes 240 therein so as to connect the sleeves 110 bya number of bolts 245 or by other conventional types of fastening meansas described in more detail below. The bolts 245 should comply with ASTMA-325 standards and are typically 1¼ inches. Several gussets 300 arewelded to each flange plate 220, 230, as well as base plate 280 and tothe corresponding sleeve 110 for stiffening.

[0038]FIG. 5 shows the sleeve 110 encircling an existing pole 20.Vertical flange 190 of section 120 is joined with vertical flange 200 ofsection 130 by bolt 200 a, and vertical flange 200 of section 120 isjoined with vertical flange 190 of section 130 by bolt 200 b. Thesections 120, 130 of the sleeve 110 are positioned around the existingpole 20 such that the central vertical axis of sleeve 110 is alignedwith the center vertical axis of pole 20. The diameter of the sleeve 110is slightly larger than the diameter of the pole tower 20.

[0039] In accordance with the present invention, a number of loadtransfer plates 310 are positioned along the length of sleeve 350 ofsupport structure 100 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Sleeve 350, the topsleeve 110 of support structure 100, is shown in FIG. 4 and is definedby eighteen (18) polygonal sides allowing it to bear eight (8) loadtransfer plates 310. In accordance with the present invention, thenumber of polygonal sides of sleeve 350 is relative to the size andshape of pole 20 as well as the weight and distribution of load 60. Asshown in FIG. 6a, each plate 310 may have a number of threaded retentionstuds 320 and load transfer plate bolts 330. One end of each retentionstud 320 is welded to the short side center of the associated loadtransfer plates 310 and is fed through the retention stud holes 365 onsleeve 350. Vertical spacing between the retention studs 320 is relativeto the height of the sleeve 350. Each stud 320 is secured by two or moreretention stud nuts 380 on the outside of the sleeve 350. The retentionstuds 320 initially serve to hold the load transfer plates 310 in placewhile the sleeve 350 is raised and secured by the flange plates 220, 230to adjoining sleeves 350, 360. After the sleeve sections 120, 130 hasbeen bolted to its adjoining sleeves 120, 130 and surrounds the existingpole 20, the load transfer bolts 330 are adjusted to push the loadtransfer plate 310 against the existing pole 20 to provide structuralsupport. The load transfer bolts 330 pass through the sleeve 350 to makecontact with the load transfer plate 310 at alternating off-centerpositions as indicated on the template of FIG. 6b. The exact position ofeach load transfer bolt 330 is designed relative to the height and thevertical center axis of the sleeve 350. Torque is applied to a desiredlevel to each nut 390, including those nuts 380 of the retention studs320, to snug the load transfer plate 310 against the existing pole 20.In an alternative embodiment, any sleeve 110 may be associated with theload transfer plate 310 and is dependent on the height of the existingpole 20 as well as the weight and distribution of load 60.

[0040] The sleeves 110 also may have one or more access ports 340, shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, positioned therein as in sleeve 250. The access ports340 may be apertures of varying size and shape in the sleeves 110. Theaccess ports 340 provide access to the interior wires or cables on theexisting pole 20 for inspection, repair, or the addition of new wiringor cables.

[0041] As most clearly shown in FIG. 8, the base of the supportstructure 100 includes an existing foundation 30 surrounded by a newfoundation 430 which receives additional anchor bolts 34 mounted to baseplate 280. Base plate 280 is welded to the bottom portion 180 of thefirst sleeve 250. As is shown in FIG. 9, the base plate 280 rests on theexisting base plate 40 of the existing pole 20 and both the base plate280 and first sleeve 250 have notches 31, 270 to allow the existinganchor bolts 50 to remain intact. The base plate 280 has anchor boltholes 32 that the anchor bolts 34 pass through. The anchor bolts 34 aresecured above the base plate 280 by nuts 33 although the number ofanchor bolts 34 are relative to the. diameter of the existing pole 20and existing base plate 40. The new foundation 430 is comprised of aconcrete ring 490 surrounding the existing concrete pier 35 and receivesthe anchor bolts 34. The anchor bolts 34 may be 2¼ in. diameter #18JASTM 615 bolts that are 8 ft 8 in. in length or similar. To strengthenthe foundation 430, the concrete ring 490 may be anchored with severalrows of #9 rebar 36 set into the existing concrete pier 35. The rows of#9 rebar 36 as shown in FIG. 8 are in a single column. Multiple columnsdiametrically surround the existing concrete pier 35. The #9 rebar 36are fixed into the existing concrete 35 with epoxy 37 for a snug fit.The #9 rebar 36 may be offset slightly to avoid any existing verticalrebar in the existing concrete 35. Parallel pairs of #4 rebar 38 may beset vertically perpendicular to each column of #9 rebar 36 foradditional strength in the concrete ring 490. A pair of circular ringsof #4 rebar 39 may be set into the new concrete 490 at each row of #9rebar 36, with both members of the pair having a diameter less than thatof the new concrete ring 490, and one of the members having a largerdiameter than the other. Embeco 636 or equivalent high strength,non-shrink grout 41 seals the space between the new base plate 280 andthe new foundation 430. The number and placement of all rebar isdependent on the diameter of the new concrete ring 490.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 1, it will be seen that a number of thesleeves 110 may be used to increase the capacity of an existing tower.For example, support structure 100 may comprise three sleeves 110, abottom sleeve 250, a joinder sleeve 360, and a top sleeve 350. However,any number of sleeves 110 may be used. The sleeves 110 may be of varyingsize in terms of shape, length, width, or thickness. In accordance withthe present invention, all or less than all of the sleeves 110 may beassociated with the load transfer plates 310. Further, sleeves 110 ofvarying size and shape may be used together. The existing pole 20 islikely to be tapered in width as the pole extends in height. Each sleeve250, 360, 350 therefore may be progressively smaller in height, width,and thickness.

[0043] The third sleeve 350, or whichever sleeve 110 is positioned ontop, may be sealed at the top with a cover plate 370. The cover plate370 extends in a close fit from the perimeter of the existing pole 20.The cover plate 370 may be sealed in a watertight fashion with a siliconsealant. The cover plate 370 may be constructed of ¼ inch steel, such ashot-dipped galvanized ASTM 572 structural plate or similar materials.The cover plate 370 may be welded to the top portion 170 of the thirdsleeve 350.

[0044] For example, in a typical five (5) sleeve 110 embodiment, a firstsleeve 250 may have a height of about 40 ft., a width of about 52 in. atthe bottom portion 180, a width of about 44 in. at the top portion 170,and a thickness of about ⅜ in; a first joinder sleeve 360 may have aheight of about 40 ft., a width of about 44 in. at the bottom portion180, a width of about 37 in. at the top portion 170, and a thickness ofabout ⅜ in; a second joinder sleeve 360 may have a height of about 23ft., a width of about 37 in. at the bottom portion 180, a width of about32 in. at the top portion 170, and a thickness of about ¼ in; a thirdjoinder sleeve 360 may have a height of about 15 ft., a width of about32 in. at the bottom portion 180, a width of about 30 in. at the topportion 170, and a thickness of about ¼ in; a top sleeve 350 that isassociated with the load transfer plates 310 may have a height of about8 ft., a width of about 36 in. at the bottom portion 180, a width ofabout 32 in. at the top portion 170,. and a thickness of about ⅜ in.

[0045] One or more telecommunications arrays may be positioned on thesupport structure 100. The telecommunication arrays may be ofconventional design and may be identical to an existingtelecommunication array. The telecommunication arrays may be attached tothe support structure 100 by bolts or by other conventional types ofattachment means. As is shown in FIG. 1, the existing telecommunicationarray may remain positioned on the existing pole 20, while new arraysare added to the support structure 100. Alternatively, the originalarray and the new arrays may be positioned on the support structure 100.The support structure 100 may have a height that is less than, equal to,or greater than the height of the existing pole 20. The supportstructure 100 may support any type of load 60 in addition to thetelecommunications arrays.

[0046] In use, the support structure 100 as described herein should beable to support loads of about two thousand (2,000) to forty thousand(40,000) lbs. at heights of between about thirty (30) to two hundredfifty (250) ft. while withstanding basic wind speeds of up to about onehundred twenty (120) miles per hour or a combined environmental load ofwind at about sixty (60) miles per hour and a layer of radial ice ofabout ½ in. thick surrounding the support structure 100. The supportstructure 100 has adequate independent strength and stability to supportits telecommunications arrays while also combining with the existingpole 20 via the load transfer plates 310 to provide superior strengthand stability to the combined structure as a whole.

[0047] While this invention had been described in conjunction withspecific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as setforth herein, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the true spirit and fullscope of the invention as set forth herein and defined in the claims.

We claim:
 1. A support structure for use with an existing single poletower, said single pole tower comprising a pole anchored to an existingfirst foundation and supporting a first load, said structure comprisinga plurality of sleeves, each said sleeve comprising a plurality ofpolygonal sections, and sections being joined such that said pluralityof sleeves surrounds said pole, and a first one of said plurality ofsleeves being anchored to a second foundation.
 2. The support structureof claim 1, wherein said existing tower includes a first base plateanchoring said tower to said first foundation, said first one of saidplurality of sleeves comprising a second base plate overlying said firstbase plate and extending over said second foundation, said second baseplate being anchored to said second foundation.
 3. The support structureof claim 1, wherein said second foundation comprises a new foundationthat surrounds the said existing foundation.
 4. The support structure ofclaim 1, wherein said sleeves comprise a bent structural plate.
 5. Thesupport structure of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of sleevescomprises at least a first section and at least a second section, eachsection comprising a plurality of polygonal vertical side.
 6. Thesupport structure of claim 5, wherein each of said plurality of sleevescomprises at least twelve said polygonal vertical sides.
 7. Thestructural support of claim 5, wherein each of said polygonal sectionscomprise a first edge and a second edge, said first edge comprising afirst bent vertical flange and said second edge comprising a second bentvertical flange.
 8. The support structure of claim 7, wherein at leastone of said plurality of sleeves comprises a plurality of load transferplates associated therewith for stabilizing the loaded tower.
 9. Thesupport structure of claim 8, wherein each of said plurality of loadtransfer plates comprise a load bearing plate disposed adjacent to saidpole and further comprising a plurality of bolts extending through saidsleeves and bearing on said plate for distributing load on said tower.10. The support structure of claim 8, wherein said plurality of loadtransfer plates comprise radial spacing around a vertical axis of saidsleeves.
 11. A support structure for use with an existing single poletower, said tower comprising a pole anchored to an existing firstfoundation and supporting a first load, said support structurecomprising, a second foundation surrounding the existing foundation afirst sleeve anchored to a second foundation, a second sleeve fixedlyattached to said first sleeve, and said first and second sleevessurrounding said pole and being associated with load transfer platesdisposed between the pole and the sleeves for stabilizing the loadedtower.
 12. The support structure of claim 11, wherein said first andsecond sleeves are fixedly attached by a number ofjoinder sleeves. 13.The support structure of claim 11, further comprising a second loadfixedly attached to any of said sleeves.
 14. A support structure for usewith an existing single pole tower, said tower comprising a poleanchored to an existing first foundation and supporting a first load,said support structure comprising, a plurality of sleeves, saidplurality of sleeves surrounding said pole, a first sleeve of saidplurality of sleeves anchored to a second foundation, wherein saidsecond foundation surrounds said first foundation, a second sleeve ofsaid plurality of sleeves having a plurality of load transfer platesassociated therewith, and said plurality of load transfer plates havingbolts extending between said second sleeve and said pole for stabilizingsaid loaded tower.
 15. The support structure of claim 14, wherein saidsecond sleeve supports a second load.
 16. The support structure of claim15, wherein said plurality of sleeves comprises one or more joindersleeves positioned between said first sleeve and said second sleeve. 17.A method for supporting additional loads on a single pole tower, whereinsaid single pole tower comprises a pole anchored to an existing firstfoundation and supporting a first load, said method comprising the stepsof: surrounding the first foundation with a second foundation,positioning one or more sleeves around said pole, anchoring said one ormore sleeve to said second foundation, and supporting said additionalload on said one or more sleeves.
 18. The method of claim 17, furtherincluding disposing load transfer plates between the pole and thesleeves and torquing load transfer bolts against the load transferplates until the load transfer plates are snugly positioned against theexisting tower.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said load transferbolts are tightened against the load transfer plates to stabilize theloaded tower.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step ofattaching said first and said second sleeve by one or more joindersleeves.